Section 180. Groundwater characterization study (GCS)

Part V. Groundwater Characterization Study (GCS) and GCS Well Monitoring Requirements

A. Section 62.1-44.34:15 of the Code of Virginia requires the operator to apply to the board for approval of an ODCP. The ODCP shall be accompanied by other relevant information required by the board (e.g., groundwater characterization study (GCS) of each facility with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of one million gallons or greater of oil). The purpose of this GCS is to determine baseline conditions and flow of groundwater within the geographic boundaries of the facility. The operator's results of the GCS shall be subject to the review and approval of the board and shall be submitted to the department as part of the Oil Discharge Contingency Plan (ODCP) referenced in Part IV (9VAC25-91-170, Oil Discharge Contingency Plan (ODCP) Requirements) of this chapter. The GCS wells are required by 9VAC25-91-170 A 13 a in the ODCP requirements.

B. Section 62.1-44.34:15.1 of the Code of Virginia requires that the operator of a facility with an aggregate capacity of one million gallons or greater of oil conduct monthly gauging and inspection, monitoring of well headspace, and quarterly sampling and laboratory analysis of all groundwater monitoring wells located at the facility to determine the presence of petroleum or petroleum byproduct contamination.

C. Although GCS monitoring wells may be approved for use as part of a leak detection system, the GCS well monitoring requirement should not be confused with any requirement for leak detection monitoring wells required by 9VAC25-91-170 A 18.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 14, Issue 18, eff. June 24, 1998; Errata, 14:23 VA.R. 3682 August 3, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 26, eff. November 1, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§§ 62.1-44.15, 62.1-44.34:15, 62.1-44.34:15.1 and 62.1-44.34:19.1 of the Code of Virginia.